2024 NBA Elections: ECNBA Calls for Proposals from Electronic Voting Service Providers

Steve Aya

In its commitment to conduct an election of international credibility, the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has issued a request for Proposal (RFP) from Electronic Election Service Providers (ESP), who upon selection will facilitate the electronic voting for the upcoming NBA Elections.

The goal of the project is to deliver a free, fair, credible, transparent, and auditable election using modern technology that ensures safe, secure, and seamless participation of all eligible members of the Association. The selected service provider, will be responsible for providing the requisite consulting and advisory services necessary to attain this goal.

Key responsibilities of the service provider include reviewing and validating the voters’ register, providing a secure and configured voting portal, sending notifications to voters via electronic media, integrating a Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) protocol into the voting system, providing an online real-time dashboard and leader-board for monitoring the election, and providing a support help-desk leading up to and during the election.

The RFP timeline includes publishing the request on April 10, 2024, shortlisting successful Reepondents by April 20, 2024, publishing shortlisted Respondents on ECNBA/NBA websites and major platforms for any objections or complaints by April 23, 2024, considering objections and complaints against shortlisted Respondents by April 25, 2024, and conducting due diligence and awarding the contract by April 28, 2024.

Proposals will be evaluated based on response to specifications and scope of work (50%), cost (20%), and technical expertise, relevant past performance/experience, work samples, staff, and respondent qualifications (30%).

Submission guidelines and requirements include demonstrable expertise and experience in similar roles without any conflict of interest, evidence of at least one substantially similar role, an end-to-end solution architecture including cybersecurity controls, a proposed cost for the use of the solution and attendant services, and signing by an authorised representative. Proposals must be received on or before 5pm on April 18, 2024, for consideration.

The ECNBA reserves the right to engage the Respondent that presents the best overall value, determined solely by the ECNBA in its absolute discretion, and to reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFP.

The ECNBA, inaugurated on December 18, 2023, by NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, is mandated to conduct elections for the NBA’s National Offices and Representatives to the General Council of the Bar.